Entering Advent with Hope and Gratitude

As we enter into the Season of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year. While we are celebrating the start of a new year, much of the world at this time is seeing another year coming to a close. As we bring this year to a close, many of us think “good riddance.” We are likely glad the year is coming to a close and are looking forward to a new year if the year didn’t live up to its expectations or if we experienced an event that caused us significant distress. Others may be looking at the past year as a great blessing. It may be remembered fondly because of a birth of a child, wedding, new job, new home, or some other event. In either case, what will the next year be like? As is commonly said, “only time will tell.”

At Saint Patrick Parish, it has been a year filled with blessings, and we look forward to more blessings to come in the year ahead. We have seen our Mass attendance increase every month over the same month as last year. We continue to celebrate more Baptisms. The number of people coming into the Catholic Church or receive Sacraments as adults continues to rise. Much planning has gone into an effort that will start in January called “Search.” We are also anticipating growth in our school enrollment for the coming year, looking forward to again sending a large group of middle and high school kids to Extreme Faith Camp, and sending more kids to a High School Discipleship Weekend and Steubenville Conference. With the Diocese of Superior we brought together over thirty young women discerning a call to religious life for a morning of prayer and reflection. And we are seeing an increase in interest among young men regarding the priesthood – right in our own parish. 

Managing all this, and more, is no small task. It takes a significant number of staff and volunteers to meet the needs of all who come through our doors. It also takes a great deal of money. This year our expenses will exceed $3.75 million. Our payroll itself is $200,000 per month. To provide for these expenses, two thirds of the revenue come straight from donations and gifts made to your parish. In other words, your parish depends on you and your generosity.

Approaching the end of the year, I ask you to prayerfully consider your financial support of your parish. In addition to simply making a cash donation, you can use your credit/ debit card, have money transferred directly from a savings or checking account, or donate shares of stock or mutual funds. By donating shares of stock or mutual funds, you may avoid paying taxes on capital gains. For those over the age of 70 ½, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Donation directly from a retirement account using your Required Minimal Dispursement and avoid paying taxes.

None of us knows what the future will bring, but I know our parish will be more important than ever in the days, months, and years ahead. We also know the good work we do is not possible unless everyone does his or her part. Please join me in seeing our parish thrive with prayer and financial support. Also, if you have not already done so, this is a good time to register for our parish or if some information, such as your address, phone number, or email has changed in the past year, notify the parish office so we can make the change in our records. Parish registration forms are available on our website or better yet, stop in at the parish office Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM so we can meet you. 

Just as the world needed a savior 2000 years ago, we need Christ in the world and in our lives today. We are capable of being a conduit for Christ to enter lives today, but as a Church we cannot do it without you. As we enter the Advent Season and a new year in the Church, how will you join us on the journey?